As the Year of the Snake slithers in, tennis sensation Emma Raducanu finds herself eagerly anticipating more than just the customary Lunar New Year festivities. The 22-year-old British star, who stunned the world with her historic US Open triumph in 2021, is set to headline the inaugural Singapore Tennis Open this week – an event that holds special significance for the young phenom.
For Raducanu, Singapore represents far more than just another stop on the WTA Tour. With her Romanian father and Chinese mother, the rising star embodies a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures – a duality that resonates deeply with the cosmopolitan city-state she now considers her “home away from home.”
“I’m extremely excited to be in Singapore. It’s one of my favourite places in the world, so it means a lot that there’s a tennis tournament here,” Raducanu gushed in an exclusive interview with ESPN. “I feel it represents me a lot because [two of] the languages here — Mandarin, as well as English — I can use both.”
A Symbolic Homecoming
Raducanu’s affinity for Singapore is no secret. The tennis prodigy has frequently visited the island nation in recent years, even making headlines in January 2022 when she was spotted practicing at a local tennis club. For Raducanu, Singapore’s allure lies in its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences – a characteristic she personally identifies with.
“As soon as I landed in Singapore and went around, I felt at home because I just feel like it’s a place that represents me or reflects who I am,” she explained.
The Singapore Tennis Open, a new WTA 250 event, perfectly coincides with the Lunar New Year celebrations – an occasion Raducanu is thrilled to experience in Asia alongside her mother.
“It’s nice to be in Asia over Chinese New Year. I have my mom here as well with me, which is a really nice addition,” Raducanu revealed.
Navigating Expectations
Since her fairytale US Open victory, Raducanu has grappled with the immense pressure and expectations that accompany such a monumental achievement. Candid about her struggles with injuries and inconsistent form, the young Brit acknowledges the challenges that come with her newfound stardom.
“Of course, it’s going to come with the territory,” Raducanu admitted. “I think I welcome it as a challenge but also a privilege. It’s only like that because I achieved such an amazing thing [so I] need to take the positives from that.”
Despite the hurdles, Raducanu remains optimistic and focused on her long-term growth as a player. She views the heightened attention and competitive intensity as a testament to her accomplishments and is determined to rise to the occasion.
Embracing the Serpentine Journey
As the Year of the Snake unfurls, Raducanu is eager to embrace the symbolism of transformation and renewal associated with this Chinese zodiac sign. Despite a third-round exit at the Australian Open, she remains upbeat about her 2025 prospects and is committed to building on her positive start to the season.
“In an ideal world, 2025 would look like an Emma Raducanu who’s played quite a few more tournaments [and] competed at all the Slams,” she mused. “I’m extremely excited for this season. I feel like I started pretty well [and] made a positive start in Australia.”
For Raducanu, the Singapore Tennis Open represents not only a chance to compete but also an opportunity to reconnect with her roots and draw strength from the unwavering support of her Singaporean fans. As she prepares to take center stage in the Lion City, the rising star is determined to make the most of this symbolic homecoming and lay the groundwork for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.
With her sights set on a successful 2025 season, Emma Raducanu is poised to navigate the serpentine path before her with the grace, resilience, and determination that have come to define her young career. As she embraces her Chinese heritage and the warm embrace of her Singaporean supporters, the tennis world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this remarkable athlete’s unfolding story.
